Just as the Tardis used by Dr. Who in the children's science fiction television series proved, the outside of something does not always reflect the inside!

The front doors of the church and the welcome sign

Gantshill Methodist Church was built at a time when the Methodist Church was moving away from building large Central Halls (huge buildings that were built to house masses of people in the days when big named preachers would attract hundreds if not thousands of people who would come to listen). In some ways, Gantshill Church was a compromise between the Central Hall and a more traditional type of church building.

Inside, the church itself was greatly altered during the late 1970s, and now offers the congregation (the people who go to worship there) a very comfortable, bright and flexible worship area. The pulpit, lectern and communion table are the focus of the church. Yet, there is plenty of room for drama, tableaux and other kinds of worship to be offered during a service. Depending on the season of the church's calendar, banners will be found to be on display, along with other symbols such as Advent candles in the run up to Christmas, or the Lenten Cross as we approach Easter.

Advent candles and display during the time leading up to Christmas

There is also a little chapel which is set aside for quiet prayer and contemplation, which is used for prayer groups and Bible studies. There are many other meeting rooms and halls too.

For more information about Methodism locally, or Gantshill Methodist Church, contact:

Rev'd Keith R Underhill
Telephone: (020) 8550 2460
e-mail: lizandkeith@tinyworld.co.uk